Strings of Fate

212- New and normal

As enthusiastic as they were, most of the guests don’t make it through the entire movie. Logan begins dozing off and Shaun offers to drop them and Amber home since none of them really drive. Cam is awake and going strong which is hardly a surprise given the amount of late nights she works, However she chooses to bow out while Harry is distracted and not staring at her. I think his undivided attention was enough to freak her out a little. By the time the movie finishes, the only people left are myself, Bellamy, Kiara and Harry. Even Megan went upstairs to bed and Darrien of course vanished moments after she left. Kiara seems cheerful but very drowsy. Her sleeping pattern is all messed up from being stuck in a dark basement

with nothing to do most of the time. But I hope she sleeps well tonight. She has to be pretty worn out. We send her upstairs to change for bed then Bellamy and I sit there staring at Harry. That alcohol must have been STRONG because he is totally out. Dead to the world asleep. I nudge him in the arm and he doesn’t even stir.

“Should we move him or something?” Bellamy asks reluctantly. I shrug.

“I wouldn’t bother. I mean, this fort is full of blankets and pillows, it’s comfortable. He can just sleep here can’t he? Unless you have a problem with it… I can try to get him home. Not that I actually know where he lives… Shoot, this might be harder than I thought.” Bellamy

laughs.

“It’s fine. He can stay over, I don’t mind. He’s fairly harmless, at least he is when he’s asleep.”

Abandoning Harry and deciding that the explosion that is the kitchen can wait til morning, the two of us head upstairs. Bellamy goes to get ready for bed while I go ch*ck in on Kiara. She has already climbed into bed and seems to be waiting for me to say goodnight. She has a small nightlight plugged in that Megan gave her when we realised that she really didn’t like sleeping in the dark. I’m not surprised. All of the awful things that happened to her took place at night or in the dark. I suspect it will be a long time until she’s comfortable with it. She might not ever be. I can’t help but trace my eyes down the green thread joining us. Her two green threads combined with my red thread creates a sort of triangle joining us and Bellamy. I enjoy having the visible reminder, the same way it helps me to have the reassurance of being able to see the red thread joining Bellamy and I.

“Goodnight Kiara, did you have a good day?” I ask. She nods eagerly and I smile.

H

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New and

I do want you to be happy here.” I pause then

mean it’s going to be shopping, parties and forts every day though. This was at special occasion. You’re going to have to go back to school when we get it sorted out for you.” I tease. Kiara makes a face at me but she doesn’t seem truly bothered by the idea.

also think it might be a good idea for you to talk to someone. Like a professional. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. But it might be nice for you to have someone you

her response. I know she is only nine, but I don’t want to pressure her into anything. She’s had enough of her choices stripped away from her recently and I don’t want to take away any more. I’m not even totally sure if she knows exactly what I’m suggesting. She probably has a vague idea at least. Kiara looks thoughtfully up at me then gives a small nod. I give her a tight hug to

i

face Bellamy. He is fussing with

or anything. It’s not your fault that I just started stripping in the middle of your room right in front

pretend I didn’t see anything?”

to pretend but you do need to keep your mouth

2/3

there an

out.